Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram is a test to check your heart rate and rhythm. It's often called an ECG or EKG. The test is simple and safe, and it doesn't hurt.

An ECG can help find out many things about the health of your heart. It may be done:

As part of a physical exam.
To check out symptoms like chest pain or fast or uneven heartbeats.
To see how certain heart treatments are working. These may be medicines or a device such as a pacemaker.

Tell a health care provider about:

Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking. These include vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

What are the risks?

There are no risks with this test.

What happens before the test?

Do not exercise or drink or eat anything that has caffeine in it right before the test. These can affect the results.
Do not smoke, vape, or use products with nicotine or tobacco in them. If you need help quitting, talk with your provider.

What happens during the test?

A person lying down with sticky patches on their chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the patches to a machine.

You will take off your clothes from the waist up.
You'll lie on your back.
Hair may be removed from your chest, arms, and legs.
Sticky patches called electrodes will be put on your chest, arms, and legs.
Wires called leads will be attached to the sticky patches and to a machine.
You'll be asked to relax and lie still for a few seconds while the machine checks your heart.

The test may vary among providers and hospitals.

What can I expect after the test?

Your provider or a heart expert will look at your results.
Ask when your test results will be ready and how to get them. You may need to call or meet with your provider to discuss your results.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.